A vibrant mix of creativity is set to take centre stage in Galatea as a group of Eastern Bay artists come together for an exhibition at Tulip Rose Gallery over the first weekend of December.

The gallery is located on the rural property of artist Tania Akehurst, who says the event is a celebration of the talent and creativity of artists from our community.

“The exhibition features a vibrant mix of artistic styles and mediums, including painting, pottery, photography, illustration, and woodcraft,” Akehurst said.

Featured artists include:

■ Elly Sharp – painter of seascapes and abstracted landscapes

■ Bob Stirk – wood turner and carver.

■ Malcolm Akehurst – potter known for his quirky, character-filled creations.

■ Laura McCarthy – oil painter and wood burner.

■ Caitlyn Magee – a young local artist bringing a contemporary perspective.

■ Sandy McCleary – photographer capturing the beauty of everyday life.

■ Tania Akehurst – painter and collage artist.

Among the exhibitors is Jessica Newman, who divides her time between Rotorua and Ōhope, a place she says inspires her with its relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty.

“I’ve been painting for around 25 years now,” Newman said.

“At the moment I’m working on a couple of scenes from here – Ōhiwa Harbour and Ōhope Beach.”

Nature features strongly in her work. Birds, insects, trees, and native plants frequently appear in her acrylic paintings, which are finished with water-based oils.

Her signature style blends realism with whimsical, playful elements.

“I like to create scenes that draw the viewer into a moment in time and convey a particular emotion,” she said.

“I’m inspired by the environment, but I enjoy building a story into the scene – leaving enough room for the viewer to use their imagination.”

Newman is also the author and illustrator of the 2021 children’s rhyming storybook, The Journey Story, created from her own lived experience of overcoming anxiety and depression.

Newman took her story to schools to teach: “I turned the story into a nine-week programme to teach and taught it to 300 kids in schools in New Zealand and Cook Islands, and each week we would look at one of the nine aspects of mental health.”

The Galatea exhibition will be Newman’s first showing in the Eastern Bay, and she will have two paintings on display.

See more on Newman’s art and her book on her website: Jessicanewman.co.nz

Local Artists Exhibition
■ Where: Tulip Rose Gallery, 1451 Troutbeck Road, Murupara
■ When: December 5-9, 10am-2pm and 7pm-9pm,
■ Entry: Gold coin donation (proceeds go to Murupara St John)